Melbourne Heart will go into their first game of the New Year short on confidence after a run of three-straight losses.

Their 3-2 loss to Wellington Phoenix Wednesday will be particularly disappointing for John Aloisi's men as they saw an early 2-0 lead disappear - a result which saw them drop to the foot of the A-League table.

But Heart will be bolstered by the return of suspended central defensive duo Simon Colosimo and Patrick Gerhardt, who were sorely missed against the Phoenix.

The match should also Australia international pair Richard Garcia and Aziz Behich, who were rested for the trip across the Tasman, come back into the side.

Defensive frailties have significantly hindered Aloisi's side in recent weeks, with Heart conceding seven goals in their last three games.

The return of Colosimo and Gerhardt should go some way to addressing this issue, but it is no quick fix and the home side will have to be on top of their defensive game to stop the likes of Emile Heskey.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will remain disappointed after losing 3-2 to Melbourne Victory in what was a gripping encounter on Friday, with Gary van Egmond's side being torn apart by Marco Rojas.

The defeat was the Jets' fifth in seven games, with their indifferent form seeing them fall to seventh on the table.

However, with Heart bottom of the table, the Jets will be aiming for all three points on Tuesday and should be confident they can get them.

They will still be without captain Jobe Wheelhouse, but Scott Neville returns to the squad after missing through soreness and Brazilian playmaker Bernardo Ribeiro has been recalled.

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